Waa, waa, waa!

So I'm an adult who enjoys the occasional YA novel.

But this series, despite a promising premise, is hobbled by a completely unsympathetic core character. She's a whiny brat and its intolerable to listen to her.

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A Romance Read By An Automaton?

Although I really like the story concept written by Kiera Cass, I found it difficult to listen to the nearly robotic sounding narration. Mostly intoned in a raspy whisper, I often had to leave the story to get a break from the monotony. I am certain that this narrator is talented as a voice actor, but her voice just does not suit the characters of this series. There is so little inflection during critical moments of the story that the main character seems somewhat bored with what is happening around her. I don't know if I will purchase the next installment in print or on Audible. I think the voices in my head could do a much better job. I'm disappointed in the three performances I've heard so far in this series. Perhaps this narrator is better suited to other stories which could be read with less emotion: non fiction might be a good fit. She reads clearly, just not expressively. Not her fault, just not a good voice match for the action & tone of these stories.

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narrator made a cheesy storyline even worse.

I thought she was bad in the first (skipped the 2nd based on reviews) but the narration was even worse in the 3rd book. if I wasn't so compulsive about finishing books, I would have quit after the first few chapters.

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Fabulous Final Installment

I don’t know what it is about this series but I was hooked from book 1. This is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. The final installment of "The Selection" may have been predictable but I so enjoyed the journey. Kiera Cass is a very talented author and I look forward to more of her books.
This was a credit-worthy, 5 star listen. Good story, great narration and that cover art is perfection!

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I've been DYING to read this One (pun intended)

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I cannot exactly place my finger on why it is so addicting, but it is. I tried explaining to my skeptical friend why she should read this series. It went something like, "It's a dystopian romance with a caste system. It's sort of like the bachelor. Trust me, it's great." She was hesitant, but she became addicted to it too.

My first comment is that I really believe this book would have been better as a two-book series. The second book was a waste of time/money. It could have been easily condensed into this book. OR if they wanted to keep three books, then focus more on the rebels in this one. The actions scenes were too rushed.

But who cares about that when there's romance?! Maxon and America were precious. It got a little frustrating there when the same-old crap kept coming up. America: I just can't commit myself to someone dating other girls. Maxon: I just can't commit to you when I think you love someone else. We get it. We got it in the first book. Let's move on from it, please.

Will this series go down as life-changing? No. It probably won't even make my Top Ten Series list. That being said, it does its job: It is an entertaining listen that allows me to escape for a few hours.

SPOILER:

I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary deaths. There was only one death that needed to happen. No one else needed to die for the story to progress. America could have had some other reason to leave the castle in order for Max to realize his feels for her.

Also, Chris is a rebel?! Why wasn't this developed?! It could have been an epic plot twist. Why did Chris not realize that America was on the rebels' sides when she brought Georgia to the dinner? Would have made things more interesting.

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Loved the series, this book and the ending!

STORY (young adult romance) - This is Book 3 in The Selection series. "The Selection" starts with a bunch of girls (maybe 25) competing for the heart of Prince Maxon. In "The Elite" the field is narrowed to a handful, and finally the winner is announced in "The One." This series has been such a fun escape that I hate to see it end but, at the same time, I don't think I could have waited any longer. It's not deep high-quality literature. It's a short, easy listen that will make you feel good. The story is set in a dystopian future society and combines elements of the fairy tale Cinderella with the TV show The Bachelor. There's catty young girls, a dreamy prince, a juicy love triangle, sweet romance...and a wonderful ending.

PERFORMANCE - Amy Rubinate has a distinct voice and reading style. The only word that comes to mind is "smoky," but that's a poor description. I didn't like her performance for about the first hour of the first book but have thought it was perfect ever since.

OVERALL - There's no cursing or sex, though there's one scene with some hasty clothing removal that comes close. You should absolutely listen to the series from the beginning. Yes, it's a fairly immature fairy tale, but you will probably love it as I did. Recommended for teenagers as well as older women who are young at heart.

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Cute story, casual listen

If you're expecting complex characters and Shakespearean dialogue this is not the book for you. But it is fun and playful and attempts at high stakes. Overall a good light listen and enjoyable. I would rank this as a guilty pleasure.

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Let the haters hate, I LOVED THE BOOK!

Where does The One rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favorites, I listened to it all day at work and then went home and finished in 2 days.

What other book might you compare The One to and why?

The protagonist reminds me of Clary (Mortal Instruments) in the sense that she is a quiet girl who finds her voice when needed to protect others.

What about Amy Rubinate’s performance did you like?

She was great, you could tell who was speaking and you felt like you were inside the novel.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

All is fair in love and war...

Any additional comments?

I found that people either love or hate this series with no in between. I had a blast reading it because not everything you read has to change the world, sometimes you need a fairy-tail.

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Love love love!

What made the experience of listening to The One the most enjoyable?

This is one of those swoon worthy stories that you find yourself wanting to shout at the characters sometimes, and smile all at the same time. There are so many emotional ups and downs in this story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I couldn't in a million years turn it off. I had to rush to the end.

Any additional comments?

This is a series you will want to read. If you liked Twilight or the Hunger Games then The Selection series is a must read. The One, the last book in the series really wraps it up well.

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Well worth the read

Where does The One rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is the conclusion of a trilogy, I definitely suggest you read all 3 or it won't make sense. (I picked up the other 2 from my library). I'm a huge romance fan and I appreciated the innocence of young love without profanity or explicit sex scenes. It's suitable for teens as well as incurable romantics of all ages.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Others have focused on the romance of this book, but there is a strong sub plot which really is the foundation of the story. There is a reason that the heroine's name is America. The book takes place post World War IV in the land of Illia formerly the United States of China; which had conquered the USA because of our debt to China. With chilling references to burned history books and a cast system that has replaced our freedom, Illea is now ruled by a rather tyrannical King. The northern rebels fight to regain some of what's been lost. The setting appears to be nothing more than fantasy, but has happened before in history, and could happen again. I particularly liked Aspen, the heroine's first love, who shows amazing devotion and love for America, loyalty to the king, and commitment to helping the rebels.

Any additional comments?

The series does not resolve until the end of this trilogy, "The One". The ending is surprising, and very satisfying. I wish they would have developed the scenes after the last battle a little more, but it ends with America choosing the right man and heading off into what promises to be a loving, but not necessarily happily ever after. Even after this story ends, there is plenty of room for how this close knit group of friends lives, loves, and fights. I'm hoping to see more books in a second series.

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